Using Religious Agents
Shogun 2 deals with the important religions in Japan during the Sengoku Jidai: Shinto-Buddhism, Christianity and radical Jodo Shinshu Buddhism - as practiced by the Ikko Ikki extremists. Japan has long felt the influence of Buddhism from the mainland; but now, with the arrival of European traders, the "new" religion of Christianity is slowly gaining a foothold, clan by clan, as ships arrive bringing goods from the west. Whereas Buddhist clans use monks to propagate enlightened thought, those clans that have converted to Christianity field missionaries instead to spread the word of God throughout the country. Both agents are able to convert both populations and individual characters to their religions. An agent's rank – represented by the stars at the top of his character details panel - in combination with other bonuses inferred by skills, retainers or traits, enhance his ability to carry out the various actions he is capable of and withstand the hostile actions of enemy agents. When there are monks or missionaries embedded inside castle towns the effects provided by their presence gradually diminish - so a second agent provides a further 50% of the effects of the first, and a third provides a further 25%. The maximum number of agents that can be embedded is three.
Buddhist Monks
Monks can convert others to Buddhism, inspire a friendly army with their enlightened rhetoric and by the same token demoralise an enemy force, reduce the chances of successful bribery, calm and inspire an angry populace or incite revolt in an oppressed one. Monks are recruited via Buddhist buildings. They can convert both provinces and other agents to their religion - although it is difficult for a monk to convert a missionary and vice versa. Conversion of a population to Buddhism takes place simply via the monk's presence in a province. The trusting nature of this man makes him highly susceptible to assassination by ninja or geisha.
Missionaries
Missionaries can convert others to Christianity, inspire a friendly army with their enlightened rhetoric and by the same token demoralise an enemy force, reduce the chances of successful bribery, calm and inspire an angry populace or incite revolt in an oppressed one. Missionaries are recruited via Christian buildings. They can convert both provinces and other agents to their religion - although it is difficult for a missionary to convert a monk and vice versa. Conversion of a population to Christianity takes place simply via the missionary's presence in a province. The trusting nature of this man makes him highly susceptible to assassination by ninja or geisha.
Ikko Monks
Ikko monks can convert others to their radical Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, inspire a friendly army with their rhetoric and by the same token demoralise an enemy force, reduce the chances of successful bribery, calm and inspire an angry populace or incite revolt in an oppressed one. Ikko monks are recruited via Jodo Shinshu buildings. They can convert both provinces and other agents to their religion - although it is difficult for an Ikko monk to convert a missionary and vice versa. Conversion of a population to the Ikko Ikki cause takes place simply via the Ikko monk's presence in a province. This man is highly susceptible to assassination by ninja or geisha.
Sou
In the Rise of the Samurai campaign Sou can inspire a friendly army or pacify an angry populace with their enlightened rhetoric, and, by the same token, demoralise an enemy force, reduce the chances of successful bribery, indoctrinate enemy agents and cause them to retire, or incite an enemy population to revolt. Sou are recruited via the Buddhist chain of buildings. The trusting nature of this man makes him highly susceptible to assassination by monomi, payoffs from junsatsushi or seduction by shirabyoshi.